GWU-Wake game raises money, awareness for ALWS

Published: Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 09:18 AM.

Eddie Holbrook said advanced ticket sales for that game have been stronger than for the Wake Forest game.

“There’s been a lot more demand. Box seats are already sold out,” Holbrook said. “A lot of that has to do with it’s a warmer time of the year and people are more in tune with baseball.”

Moving forward, Holbrook said he would like for Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium to host at least one college game per season.

“We want the teams and their fans to have a good time and enjoy themselves professionally, then pass the word along to other teams that ‘they took care of us,’” Holbrook said. “We want it to be an enjoyable occasion.”

After taking care of the needs of the two teams and officials, all proceeds from Wednesday and the April 23 game will go toward the ALWS.

Wednesday night’s game between Gardner-Webb and Wake Forest at Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium was about more than just baseball.

It was a showcase opportunity for the American Legion World Series and its committee.

About 600fans attended the college game. Of course, some were local, that were well aware of the stadium and its amenities, but others were from around the region and got their first glance at the upgraded facility.

“Most of these people, unless they’ve been here, they don’t realize the caliber of stadium we have,” ALWS committee co-chairman Eddie Holbrook said. “Word is getting around, but they don’t really realize it’s as nice as it is. Part of our overall promotion and concept of building support for the World Series is showcasing the stadium and good baseball.”

Fellow co-chariman, Jim Horn, is a Wake Forest alumnus and played baseball on the 1955 national championship team. He was especially pleased to bring his alma mater to Shelby.

“We’re proud to have Wake Forest come in and to have them visit here,” Horn said. “Coach Tom Walter was over here about a year ago to look at the stadium. Of course, we’re thankful that Rusty (Stroupe) and Gardner-Webb wanted to play as well.”

Wednesday wasn’t the only chance for local and regional fans to catch major college baseball in Shelby. On April 23, Shelby High School graduate and South Carolina head coach Chad Holbrook, Eddie's son, brings his nationally ranked Gamecocks to his hometown to face the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

Eddie Holbrook said advanced ticket sales for that game have been stronger than for the Wake Forest game.

“There’s been a lot more demand. Box seats are already sold out,” Holbrook said. “A lot of that has to do with it’s a warmer time of the year and people are more in tune with baseball.”

Moving forward, Holbrook said he would like for Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium to host at least one college game per season.

“We want the teams and their fans to have a good time and enjoy themselves professionally, then pass the word along to other teams that ‘they took care of us,’” Holbrook said. “We want it to be an enjoyable occasion.”

After taking care of the needs of the two teams and officials, all proceeds from Wednesday and the April 23 game will go toward the ALWS.

Want to see GWU play South Carolina?

To purchase tickets for the South Carolina-Gardner-Webb game at Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium on April 23, visit americanlegionworldseries.com.